It is possible to manage your diabetes in order to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke and living a longer healthier life.
It is possible to manage your diabetes in order to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke and living a longer healthier life.
It is very important to change your lifestyle.
- Obtain and maintain a healthy weight by choosing foods wisely and eating healthy.
- Plan meals to include a variety of foods, eating less trans fat and eating more fiber, fruits and vegetables
- Limit salt
- Perform regular physical activity
- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Keep blood glucose levels as recommended by your doctor
- Take medications as directed by your doctor
- Have blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglyceride tests regularly
- Limit alcohol as it can affect blood glucose levels and can also cause weight gain
Tips for healthy eating:
- Eating at regular times helps to control glucose levels. Eat three meals per day no more than six hours apart. Choose healthy snacks.
- The more sugar you eat, the higher your blood glucose. Limit sugars, sweets, regular pop, desserts, candies, jams, honey and refined foods.
- Artificial sweeteners can be used in place of sugar when following recipes.
- High fat foods may cause weight gain. Healthy weight helps control blood glucose levels which helps to keep the heart healthy. Limit the amount of fried foods, chips and pastries.
- Foods high in fiber may help you feel full and help to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Eat more foods with high fiber content like whole grains, breads, cereals, dried beans, peas, lentils, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
- Drink more water if you are thirsty.
Physical Activity:
Everyone needs to be active and healthy; however, physical activity for a diabetic can help:
- To improve blood glucose control
- Reduce risk of heart disease
- Control weight
All it takes is 10 minutes of activity
- Walk the dog
- Get off the bus a stop early
- Park your car a little further from the door
- Rake, shovel, mow or vacuum
- Take two brisk walks a day
- Perform resistance exercises such as lifting weights or ride a bike three times a week.
Foot Care
Foot care is very important for the diabetic – contact your doctor immediately whenever foot ulceration occurs. Early medical attention is important. Ask for a referral to a Certified Podiatrist to have your shoes, socks and feet evaluated.
Do not use worn out shoes or socks which can cause problems (such as corns, ulcers and calluses).
For more information: www.dieticians.ca, www.eatright.org, www.cspinet.org, www.wellnessletter.com
The copyright of the article Living with Diabetes in Chronic Illness is owned by Sylvia McGrath. Permission to republish Living with Diabetes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
